More than 20 merchants in Madrid's busiest shopping district will open for a Bitcoin Boulevard-style event today.While streets in Arnhem, The Hague and Cleveland have all hosted similar bitcoin awareness initiatives, organiser Félix Montero says his event, Calle Bitcoin, will be the world’s biggest yet.Around 200 bitcoin users are expected to attend the two-day spectacle, which is to feature a pub crawl, treasure hunt and photo competition, alongside giveaways in the digital currency.While Spain’s bitcoin community is small, Montero hopes the outdoor event will showcase the currency’s purchasing power and utility to those in the "offline" world.“We thought a bitcoin street was the best way to prove that bitcoin payments stand up even to the pressure of a crowded bar or shop in speed and flexibility,” he said.The 'calle' itself is located at luxury shopping hotspot Serrano Street – also known as the city’s ‘Gold Mile’.Besides the usual coffee shops, bars and restaurants, the 1.5 km area also features an international fashion boutique, a design hotel, an architect practice and – bizarrely – a gynaecologist.

"Once merchants saw that the bar next door was sporting a 'Bitcoin Accepted Here' sticker they lost all fear and wanted in!"The event is largely experimental, involving all kinds of payment mechanisms, apps and processors, both better- and lesser-known, Montero said.Though BitPay, Blockchain and Coinbase are ‘gold’ sponsors, smaller regional startups such as Coinffeine, Avatar BTC and Bitcoin Spain, owner of the country's first Robocoin ATM, will be out in force to greet passers-by.which litecoin mining pool should i joinNicolas Cary, Blockchain’s CEO, praised the event for its commitment to the local bitcoin community, stating: “Calle Bitcoin is a perfect example of how grass roots efforts are making a big difference locally."fund bitcoin wallet with debit card

Moe Levin, director of European business development at BitPay, echoed this sentiment – adding that events like this underscore both the technology's ethos and its community: "There is no other payment system in the world as open-source and community oriented as bitcoin.litecoin mining pool no registrationThese are two very unique traits."litecoin and dogecoin walletCalle's 13 volunteers have been instrumental in getting the project off the ground, often taking time out from their full-time jobs to visit prospective merchants and give tutorials on bitcoin point-of-sale systems.scan for bitcoin virusFernando Bitti Loureiro, a regular at bitcoin meetups in Madrid, sees the project as an opportunity to dispel common misconceptions about the digital currency first-hand.bitcoin assassination list

He added: "The information about bitcoin one finds on the Internet is [either] too technical, too speculative or too ideological."Another volunteer, Santiago Márquez Solís, is hoping to engage visitors with his Flappy Bird-inspired android game.Unlike the original however, players must navigate through a series of fast-moving buildings using their bitcoin avatar.bitcoin shop directoryAfter crashing (inevitably very quickly) they are greeted with information about shops participating in the event.ethereum coinbase priceIn the spirit of open-source development, the whole project has been documented on popular forum Bitcoin Talk since its inception.receive sms bitcoinMontero hopes that fellow Spanish-speakers will use these conversations as a blueprint to create their own events in the future.

Calle's own future looks promising too, as each merchant has pledged to continue accepting bitcoin for at least three months after this week's event.Montero is confident many will stick with the currency past this point, and hopes to scale up in 2015, adding: “Hopefully, next year we can do it with 100 merchants.” The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is an independent media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies.It has it all – good food, great people and some seriously beautiful scenery.Famous for its bullfights and home to the country’s largest bullfighting ring, Las Ventas, Madrid is poised to become a serious player in another ring – cryptocurrency.Spain’s beautiful capital city didn’t make the Top 25 list of Bitcoin dense cities in Europe, but it’s packed with Bitcoin ATMs and poised to become a major figure in the cryptocurrency game as it struggles with financial standing in the face of traditional banking structures.

Accordingly, we’ve compiled all the best places you can spend Bitcoin in Madrid!Bitcoin and Accommodation: Where to Stay and How to Book It Try using travel agency Destinia when you’re planning your trip to Madrid.They serve 2 million customers 30 languages, and work in conjunction with over 500 airlines and more than 300,000 hotels.You’ll find great getaway deals, last minute bookings in 5 star hotels for pennies on the dollar and even nicely priced full travel packages.You can pay for all of your reservations in Bitcoin, so you won’t have to wait until your arrival to spend Bitcoin in Madrid!If you can, try to book with a room with the One Shot Hotels location on Paseo de Recoletos, where there is a convenient Bitcoin ATM onsite.A stay with OneShot means you’ll have access to services like electric bike rental, shoe and laundry cleaning, planned excursions and private parking.Plus, you’ll be on the beautiful Paseo de Recoletos, where you can walk to the infamous Plaza de Cibeles  and visit the beautiful Cybele Palace.

There are a number of stores where you can spend Bitcoin in Madrid.As soon as you’re settled, head onward to Bucarelli to buy a few souvenirs.Bucarelli has accepted Bitcoin since 2014, and Bitcoin shoppers can now purchase stunning leather handbags, wallets, briefcases.Each of their products is crafted in the Andalusian tradition, using only the highest quality Italian leather.You can also sharpen your Madrid image with some new clothes from Bitcoin retailer Scotta 1985.Scotta’s clothing line represents a manicured yet casual style that is perfectly suited for golfing and other leisurely outdoor activities – you’ll also fit right in as you stroll the famous boulevards of Madrid.How to Eat, Drink and Party in Madrid Using Bitcoin Once you’re hungry, wander onward to the visual spectacle that is the Geographic Club.This Bitcoin-friendly restaurant is one of Madrid’s coolest looking bars.Its decorations are reminiscent of the 1920s, and their walls are plastered in exotic trophies and pictures from all over the the world.

You’ll be able to order off a great cocktail program and eat some excellent traditional Spanish food, like grilled calamari!When you’re stuffed and happy, feel even more comfort in the knowledge that it’s not the only restaurant where you can spend Bitcoin in Madrid.If you’re looking for something slightly more chic, then head over an spend some bitcoins at La Castela.This rustic-yet-modern restaurant offers a variety of expertly cooked meals.They have pasta, seafood, beautiful desserts and everything in-between, all with beautiful presentation and delicious results.If you’re looking for some vibrant night life, then  you’ll love the Bitcoin friendly cocktail lounge and nightclub El Callejon de Serrano.It’s a hip, surprising place to spend Bitcoin in Madrid – what looks like an unassuming storefront from the outside reveals itself to be a slick, colourful nightclub upon entering.You’ll be able to make some friends spend some bitcoins and experience Madrid’s awesome nightlife!